The Orange quarterback struggled in the loss to California on Saturday, throwing three interceptions.
Syracuse, N.Y. - The Syracuse Orange football team lost the team's first game inside Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play on Saturday, 21-18, against California at the JMA Wireless Dome.
Where there were several areas of the performance that need improving, one of the most surprising results of the weekend was the general struggle of quarterback Steve Angeli.
The quarterback threw it 49 times, completing just 24 passes. He threw for more than 300 yards (306), but also had three interceptions, including one that was taken back for a touchdown. Another came in the final minute with SU driving for a game-tying or go-ahead score.
After the game, his performance drew a reaction from fans online, and head coach Fran Brown addressed a specific moment in-game.
The Steve Angeli file
The former Notre Dame quarterback joined Syracuse via the transfer portal before the 2025 season. Angeli won the job and helped lead the team to a 3-1 record in his four starts, but the group lost eight straight after he went down with a torn Achilles tendon.
Angeli worked his way back this offseason and optimism has been higher among the Orange faithful because of his return.
In Week 1, Angeli was efficient in the team's 66-3 win over New Hampshire. In his return to action, Angeli posted 263 yards through the air and three touchdowns.
This performance on Saturday was a step back.
Syracuse Orange quarterback Steve Angeli (9) passes the ball during the second half against the New Hampshire Wildcats at the JMA Wireless Dome. Rich Barnes-Imagn ImageHow did fans react on social media to Angeli's performance?
The reviews of Angeli's performance were mixed on social media.
Some fans, like Liam, expressed frustration:
Liam wrote on the social media platform X: "Bench Angeli can’t be much worse. Same old Syracuse."
Cameron wrote:
"Steve Angeli throws alot of passes like he can’t see well …#Syracuse"
Others defended Angel's play. Darrion said:
"He doesn't trust his knee yet. Struggling to push off his leg and complete those passes. Syracuse also had a ton of penalties yesterday. Not all on Angeli"
What did Fran Brown say about the quarterback position?
There was a moment during Saturday's game that quarterback Amari Odom was seen warming up on the sidelines following a conversation with head coach Fran Brown. Brown addressed that in the post game press-conference:
"I told all of them to stay loose, Guys are sitting around just standing there. I told Amari (Odom) to stay loose. I think when you play the position of backup quarterback, you’re always one play away from getting in."
What's next for Syracuse football?
The Orange will be back in action on Thursday night against Pitt in a fast turnaround. Thursday night's game will be the second ACC game for SU, and it will also be the first road test of the year.
The rivalry game between the former BIG EAST, now ACC, schools is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET.
